Origin and Habitat: South Peru (Arequipa, Ayacucho, Moquegua and Tacna) and north Chile (Arica, Tarapacà and Antofagasta). This plant was originally collected by Rauh at Vulcan Chachaui and named by Backeberg in 1956.Altitude: 2000-4200(4500) m of altitude.Habitat: It grows in rocky stony areas of the Andean pre-cordillera, characterized by a cool and dry climate in winter, mild and little rainy in summer.

Cultivation and Propagation: This is a a much decorative frost hardy cactus that grow at high altitude and is suitable for small “desert” gardens, in association with other xerophytes. Where the open air cultivation is not possible due to the climate, it is to be cultivated in pot in order to shelter it in winter.Soil: Grow it in a rich and particularly draining substratum, as it is very sensitive to rottenness when in presence of humidity and low temperatures and let the soil dry out between waterings.Water: In summer, during the vegetative period, it must be regularly watered, but allowing the substratum to completely dry up before irrigating again; in winter, it’s to be kept dry.Hardines: Hardy to 7°, but tolerate temperatures down to -12°C for short periods if very dry. However in cultivation it is better not to expose it to below zero temperatures, especially if in presence of high atmospheric humidity.Exposure: It need full sun exposures. Manteinance: Repot in the spring, when their roots become cramped. Generally, they should be repotted every other year in order to provide fresh soil. After repotting, do not water for a week or more.Propagation: By seeds and by cuttings, provided left drying up well, in summer.